Let me get it out there, this is why I love living in California. While I was born in Maryland, my parents moved to California when I was only one year old. Yes, I spent nine years in Texas while working in the Houston Medical Center, I moved back to California and plan to stay!!
California gets a lot of flack from people who don’t live here. I hear it often—snide remarks, political jabs, or offhanded comments like, “I’m sorry you live there,” or “Isn’t that the earthquake state?” But the truth is: I love living in California. And I wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else.
Despite the jokes and misunderstandings, California is more than just headlines—it’s a lifestyle, a spirit, and a land of incredible opportunity. Let me show you why I love living in California and call this place home and why so many others do, too.
Natural Beauty Around Every Corner
From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the serene beaches of Laguna, the Golden State is a feast for the eyes. California is home to more national parks than any other state, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, and Redwoods National Parks. My family and I have visited all these and more throughout the year. I can hardly wait to visit them again and again. I can be soaking in ocean breezes one day and hiking through snow-capped mountains the next.
Whether it’s morning walks on the beach, day trips to the desert, or scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, California’s nature feeds my soul.
Living in the Golden State means daily access to diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Year-Round Sunshine (Yes, Really!)
Weather matters—and California delivers. While other parts of the country face extreme winters, tornadoes, or humid summers, much of California enjoys mild, sunny days most of the year.
I love being able to garden in January, dine outside in March, and walk barefoot on the beach in November. The sunshine lifts my mood and gives me energy. I can walk my dogs in my neighborhood or head out to one of our beautiful outdoor venues. We are very “dog-friendly” throughout the state.
It’s not just a myth—the California lifestyle really is sunnier.
A Culture of Creativity and Innovation
California is a hub of ideas, entrepreneurship, and reinvention. Silicon Valley, Hollywood, biotech, agriculture, renewable energy—you name it, we lead it.
But beyond the fame and fortune, what I love most is the freedom to be yourself here. People come to California to start over, dream bigger, and chase bold ideas. That energy is contagious. There’s a deep sense of possibility in the air—like anything can happen if you just take the leap. Whether you’re reinventing your career, exploring a passion, or finding your voice, California welcomes it all.
Whether you’re an artist, a business builder, or someone looking for a fresh start, California has the space and spirit to support you. From the early days of people coming to search for gold in them-there-hills to current desire for a certain quality of life, people do still come to search and achieve their dreams.
Diversity in People, Food, and Culture
You don’t have to travel the world to experience it. Living in California means enjoying a rich blend of cultures—from street tacos and sushi to Lunar New Year festivals and Día de los Muertos parades.
Indeed, the diveristy in California is one of my favorite reasons for living in here. I’ve met people from every walk of life here. We celebrate differences. We honor heritage. We learn from one another. This diversity shapes our neighborhoods, our schools, our arts—and makes everyday life more flavorful and interesting. My family is a combination of several cultures and we celebrate our differences; I am so proud of our bonds and love for each other.
California lifestyle benefits include being surrounded by an open-minded and welcoming population.
Endless Activities and Adventures
Life here is never boring. Whether you’re into wine tasting in Napa, paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe, skiing in Mammoth, or exploring urban murals in San Diego, there’s always something new to experience.
Weekend farmer’s markets, outdoor yoga, music festivals, day trips to quaint coastal towns—you truly can choose your own adventure in California. One weekend might be spent wine tasting in Sonoma or Temecula, and the next hiking through waterfalls in the Sierra foothills. There are hidden gems everywhere—local art walks, food truck rallies, vintage markets, and sunset picnics on the beach. No matter your interests or pace, there’s always something fresh and inspiring to discover.
And yes, I’ll admit it: having Disneyland just a few hours away is always a perk! I grew up going to Disneyland in its earlier years and have marveled at its creativity and growth throughout the decades. It’s more than a theme park—it’s a symbol of imagination, joy, and timeless memories that still bring a smile to my face. I’ll never forget the year we hosted our family reunion with Disneyland in Anaheim as our main event!
Health-Conscious and Eco-Friendly Living
California leads the way in sustainable living, health consciousness, and wellness trends. From organic grocery options to bike trails and eco-conscious businesses, the emphasis on healthy living is part of daily life here.
My background in health care makes living in a wellness-focused environment feel like a natural extension of who I am. I feel better, eat better, and move more living in this environment.
It’s no surprise that so many health-focused entrepreneurs and wellness communities thrive in California.
It Feels Like Home
At the end of the day, this is why I love living in California: it’s where I feel most alive. It’s where I found my purpose, built lasting friendships, and discovered a lifestyle that aligns with my values. This is the place where I grew up, raised my family, built a fulfilling career in nursing, and now enjoy the rewards of retirement.
No place is perfect. But for me, living in California is a gift I never take for granted. Despite what people say from afar, the reality is: California is vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity.
What About the Cost of Living and People Leaving?
Yes, it’s true—California isn’t the cheapest place to live, and yes, some folks have moved away in search of lower costs or different lifestyles. But here’s the thing: value isn’t just about dollars—it’s about quality of life.
I choose to stay because what I gain here far outweighs the price tag. The access to nature, culture, opportunity, and innovation is simply unmatched. Many of us find creative ways to make it work—through remote work, community living, or building flexible, modern businesses that thrive here.
And while some are leaving, others are arriving every day—drawn by the same sunshine, energy, and freedom that made me fall in love with California in the first place. This state has a long history of bouncing back stronger, and I believe its best days are still ahead.
Come See It for Yourself
If you’ve only seen California through the lens of the media or political news, I invite you to take a fresh look. Come visit. Come explore. You might just fall in love with it like I did. Here is our state travel site Visit California to learn more.
Or maybe you’re one of the many Californians quietly nodding your head while reading this, thinking, “Yes! Someone finally said it!”
👉 Let me know—what do you love most about California? You can email me at stevensd365@gmail.com or join our community here.
👉 Share this post with someone who needs a reminder of how special this state truly is.
👉 Want to live your best life under the California sun? Check out passion for helping others and see how I combine work, joy, and freedom—all from right here in the Golden State.
Living in California isn’t just about location—it’s a mindset. It’s about embracing possibility, diversity, and joy every single day.
To anyone who says, “I’m sorry you live there,” I smile and say, “I’m not.”